When we first started this whole business of Heaven and Hell, demons and angels, and the apocalypse, I actually had my doubts. That was an awfully ballsy direction to take. At this point though, the case has been made: Yes, Kripke and his team really can pull this off. I’m such a believer now, that I didn’t even give it a second thought when Castiel tossed out the line, “God. I’m gonna find God.”
Given where we are in the Supernatural world, that is a perfectly logical — and plausible — course of action. And the fact that you can hear something like that and just roll with it is part of what makes this show so good. Of course, that was only the smallest bit of the episode this week. Instead, as we’ve seen so often in the past, the bigger story took the back seat for a side adventure … but what an adventure it was.
The story of War, and the little game he was playing in River Pass, was outstanding. First of all, dig the reunion tour. How could you not like seeing Rufus (Steven Williams), Ellen (Samantha Ferris), and Jo (Alona Tal) again? Even better than that though, they were all facing off against each other. The writing was very clever, with Jo letting the cat out of the bag when she called Ellen a black-eyed bitch. It was clear that something was amiss, but I was just blown away by the big reveal when they finally all pieced it together. Revelations, Wormwood, the four horsemen. That’s cool stuff, and managed to tie the seemingly random demon outbreak in a small town back into the bigger story. We didn’t touch base with Lucifer, but we’re in the ballpark.
As we have come to expect, the whole thing ended in a pow-wow at the side of the road. That much was expected, but the outcome? Didn’t see that coming. I really thought Sam’s confession was going to be a turning point for them. “I know you don’t trust me. I don’t trust me either…. There’s something in me. It scares the Hell out of me, Dean.” When he suggested that they go their separate ways, I fully expected Dean to protest. Dean the protector would still have to watch over his brother, right? Not so much.
It was all rather shocking, and very well done. Dean, while agreeing with Sam and sending them both their separate ways, still came across so poignantly. It’s clear how much he cares for Sam. You could hear it in his voice when he said, “I know you’re sorry.” It was just a great scene to watch.
And now I have no idea where this whole thing is headed. How long do you suppose this separation will last? And can the rift between them really be repaired? My best guess on the first one is not too long. Circumstances, and the greater good, will bring them back together. On the second, I’m just not so sure. Could the destruction of that bond they shared ultimately be the price they pay for what they do? I’m just boggled by how fascinating the Winchester brother’s relationship is to watch.
Overall, they’re two for two. Bringing back the guest stars, Castiel’s new mission, the great story of the horsemen, and the further complication of the Sam and Dean dynamic made for another great chapter. And if you saw the previews, next week the reunion tour continues. I can’t wait to see what that’s all about.
Clacked by Brett Love 
on Sep 18, 2009 @ 09:00 EST5EDT
“He is not on any flatbread.” Once again, Castiel gets the best line in the episode. It helps that Misha Collins can do deadpan like nobody’s business, but I’d love to know how many outtakes of that scene were filmed.
Also, the chemistry between Dean and Castiel was absolutely sizzling. I hope next week’s episode doesn’t ruin that.
What can I say? I love this show.